Elyce Arons has been a defining figure in fashion, recognized as the co-founder of Frances Valentine, a brand she established with the late iconic designer Kate Spade and her husband Andy Spade. After the success of the original Kate Spade brand, Elyce and her team felt the call to create once again, founding Frances Valentine—
a brand that captures timeless elegance, perfect for those looking to update their wardrobe with unique, high-quality pieces. Following Kate’s tragic passing in 2018, Elyce has carried on their legacy, continuing to honor her friend’s creative spirit through Frances Valentine. Her work is grounded in a vision that values quality, durability, and style that lasts beyond a single season.
In an interview, Elyce discussed her journey with Frances Valentine, her experiences as a working mother, and the lessons she learned from life’s silver linings. Here’s a closer look at Elyce Arons’ inspiring career, her dedication to family, and her passion for meaningful fashion.
Launching Frances Valentine: A Vision Reborn
The story of Frances Valentine began in 2012 when Elyce, her husband Andy, and friends Kate and Andy Spade, were out celebrating her birthday. They missed the joy of creating pieces they loved and wanted to share, sparking the initial conversation that would eventually lead to Frances Valentine. By 2016, they had launched the brand, envisioning a line that would embody vibrance and creativity—qualities that characterized their lives and their work.
After selling the Kate Spade brand, Elyce and her co-founders shifted their priorities to balance family responsibilities with their passion for design. Elyce noted, “When we started Kate Spade, it was like our first child.” Their dedication to the brand blurred the lines between work and personal life, a period Elyce remembers fondly even as it tested their resilience.
But with time, marriage, and children, their priorities changed, guiding them toward new beginnings. Frances Valentine has since grown into a beloved label, cherished for its thoughtful designs and Elyce’s commitment to maintaining Kate’s legacy.
Coping with Loss and Honoring a Legacy: The “Love Katy” Collection
Elyce Arons continued her close friendship with Kate Spade throughout their lives, a bond rooted in creativity and mutual respect. When Kate passed away, Elyce found it essential to create something lasting to honor her friend.
The “Love Katy” collection, which launched in 2018, revisited some of Kate’s favorite vintage pieces, allowing fans and friends to connect with her legacy. Elyce described this tribute as her way of sharing Kate’s joy and style with the world. “It was a struggle for me to find the right words, the best way to express my feelings,” she said, “but sharing the pieces she loved felt like the best way.”
Finding Resilience Through Quarantine and Family
For Elyce, family has always been the foundation of her life. During the 2020 quarantine, she and her family retreated to their weekend home, where they had time to connect in ways they hadn’t anticipated. With her daughter Katy preparing to graduate, the family created lasting memories, from themed dinners to evening bike rides.
The Arons family even kept up the tradition of playing Broadway music loudly while cleaning, a ritual that brought joy to their shared moments. Reflecting on this period, Elyce calls it a “gift of time” with her family, one that allowed them to fully experience life’s simple pleasures.
As quarantine restrictions lifted, Frances Valentine resumed its retail operations, opening stores with a lean and resourceful approach. Though the pandemic posed challenges, Elyce remained optimistic, noting how the brand’s online presence thrived as more people sought inspiration in their bright, joyful designs. Frances Valentine’s first mailed catalog was delivered in June, marking a turning point for the brand.
Building Community and Expanding Frances Valentine
Elyce is dedicated to cultivating personal connections with her customers. For her, the excitement of opening a store lies in the chance to engage with a new community, meet customers, and understand their preferences. This sense of community is evident in her approach to trunk shows, where Elyce and her team interact with clients in an intimate setting, receiving valuable feedback and observing what resonates most.
Frances Valentine has continued to expand, with plans for additional stores and exciting brand collaborations. Elyce’s commitment to growth is matched by her attention to customer experience, as she sees these events as opportunities to foster connection and understand how her designs impact customers’ lives.
A Style Icon’s Favorite Pieces and “Mom Uniform”
With a life split between family, business, and social responsibilities, Elyce has crafted her own “mom uniform.” Her wardrobe is a curated mix of Frances Valentine pieces that offer both comfort and style, allowing her to seamlessly transition between roles. For summer, her go-to is a Capri tunic or a floral top paired with classic Levi’s. When fall arrives, she gravitates toward cozy corduroy pants with a signature sweater and a French blue tweed jacket.
Simple Beauty Routine: Five Minutes to Feeling Fabulous
Elyce keeps her beauty routine refreshingly simple, relying on just a few trusted products. Her regimen begins with a gentle cleanser, followed by moisturizing with La Mer, a bit of Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizer, powder, blush, and lipstick. In under five minutes, she’s ready to take on the day, embracing an effortless approach to beauty that resonates with her personal philosophy.
What Lies Ahead: The Future of Frances Valentine
Looking forward, Frances Valentine is set for more growth with plans to open new stores in Texas and South Carolina, as well as expanding its catalog offerings. Elyce has also hinted at upcoming collaborations that align with the brand’s aesthetic. Her dedication to Frances Valentine’s growth reflects her belief that “wearing what makes you happy” should be the guiding mantra for every collection. As the CEO, Elyce’s leadership combines her love for design with a vision for a brand that brings joy to its customers.
Empowering the Next Generation of Designers
In addition to her work with Frances Valentine, Elyce serves on the board of the LIM Fashion Foundation. Here, she advocates for education and scholarships, emphasizing the importance of providing young designers with the resources they need to succeed. Her dedication to supporting emerging talent demonstrates her commitment to the industry, ensuring that creative voices have the opportunity to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Elyce Arons to start Frances Valentine?
Elyce, along with Kate and Andy Spade, felt the urge to return to designing pieces they genuinely loved. After selling Kate Spade, they missed the creative process and launched Frances Valentine to fill that void and share their unique vision.
2. How did Elyce Arons honor Kate Spade’s legacy?
In memory of Kate, Elyce launched the “Love Katy” collection in 2018, featuring recreated pieces from Kate’s vintage favorites. This collection allows fans to cherish Kate’s style and creativity.
3. What role does Elyce Arons play at Frances Valentine?
As CEO, Elyce oversees every aspect of the brand, from design and marketing to customer relations, ensuring that Frances Valentine reflects her vision for quality and joy.
4. How did Elyce Arons handle the COVID-19 pandemic with her family?
During quarantine, Elyce spent time with her family, making the most of moments together with activities like themed dinners and family game nights. This period allowed her to reconnect with her loved ones deeply.
5. What’s next for Frances Valentine?
Frances Valentine has ambitious plans, including new stores, exciting collaborations, and expanded catalog offerings. Elyce remains committed to growing the brand while staying true to its unique, joyful aesthetic.